Monday, June 19, 2023. Overcast, 85 degrees and humid.
Day 1 of my first shakedown. Carrying my Six Moons Designs Swift X pack with the Vest Harness.
Ate a big lunch with Pitcrew at 2:00 at the diner in Frederick then drove to trail head. Pitcrew dropped me off for the start of a 4 day hike on the AT.
Started hiking at 14:40. The climb up to Weaverton was a lot harder with 33lbs! Lots of day hikers.
From top of Weaverton to Ed Garvey shelter I only saw one day hiker. There were 2 section hikers at the shelter. Took a 30 minute break and had a nice chat with an 81 year old section hiker. Doing same as me, but SOBO from Pen Mar.
Oops…I left my reading glasses at Ed Garvey but figured it out in only .25 miles. Went back and got them.
Headed to Gathland park for water and rest. Passed one thru hiker and what seemed to be a scout group on a day hike SOBO. Loaded up on water including 3 liters in CNOC.
Hiked .4 miles to Crampton Gap shelter. There were 2 guys in shelter and 2 tents by shelter. Hiked about 200 yards uphill to the real camp sites. About 6-8 prepared sites with a bench, fire pit, and tent site each. Finished hiking at 19:00.
Right heel hurting again and both feet on the balls of feet. I’m wearing my Salomon hiking boots. I think the heel just had too much movement, but if I tie down a lot that hurts my feet worse. Surgery spot is a little uncomfortable but not bad. Almost no swelling!
Got camp all set up in 30 min. Sent Pitcrew a video of the camp setup. Brought everything inside due to rain.
YouTube video of camp at Crampton Gap, Maryland.
Decided to not eat dinner. Just had my recovery drink mix. Just not hungry and it’s getting dark and raining at 8:30. I did have a very big lunch intentionally. Finished cleaning dishes just before rain started! Got my food and other stuff hung on bear pole. Used tent dry bag as second bear hang bag. I have too much food. Will see how wet things are in the morning.
Rigged up a clothes line in tent for shirt and socks and hand towel. So far it is dry in here, just humid. I won’t need my quilt with this temp and humidity. Should stay above 60 all night. Just using the liner.
The camp slippers are working surprisingly well. Probably not as good tomorrow after rain, but will see.
Lightning and heavy rain at 10:30pm. Read until 11:30. Pulled on socks and long sleeve shirt around 3:00am.
Technical Notes:
- Water liters: 2
- Miles: 8.54
- Time: 4:23
- Elevation gain: 1625
- Elevation descent:
- Calories consumed:
- Calories burned: 175
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